My Basic Summer Skincare Routine

I feel like I talk about the weather a lot in my skincare posts, but it’s because I’m a pale red head from the Northeast of England who IS NOT MADE FOR HUMIDITY AND HEAT. So yeah, Korean summer is a tricky time for me to get to grips with. But thankfully this is my second summer in Korea, and this time I’m way more prepared. These are the products that I tend to use most days, particularly in the mornings. I might mix it up and pick other things on different days, but these are my basics post-cleanse.

Acids

I’ve finally committed to my AHA/BHA and my pores are so happy! For these summer months I’m finding my COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a skin saver, and I’ve worked up to using it every day. My nose has huge pores and is very prone to sebaceous filaments. Add in sunscreen, makeup, humidity and sweat, and my nose can become a disaster zone. This is why the BHA is so vital to me at this time- it’s working to keep my nose pores (and the rest of my face) as clear and clean as possible, and I’m totally committed. I usually spray my face with the COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner to quickly get my skin’s pH to the correct level, and squirt a couple of pumps of the BHA liquid into my hand and pat on my face. I then let it soak in for around 15 minutes before continuing my routine. 

First Essence

I’ve been grabbing my Kiehl’s Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence most mornings. I have it decanted into a spray bottle, and its so easy to spritz my face with after acids. The texture is very watery and thin, but has an amazing hydrating quality that leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth and ready for the rest of my line up. The ingredients list has a couple of red flags including alcohol denat.. However, this essence has been great for me and I’ve had no adverse effects from the alcohol, but if you have dry skin/a compromised moisture barrier then it might be something to think about.

Essence/Ampoule

Of course, got to get my snail in. COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence. You’ve all heard how much I’m obsessed with this product so I’ll keep it short- it keeps my skin incredibly smooth, clear and healthy. It’s slightly sticky but absorbs quite quickly, has no scent, and is a very easy skincare step. Love.

 Scinic AIO Snail Ampoule is similar in that its very quickly absorbed and keeps my skin smooth and healthy. It is quite watery for an ampoule but that’s why it’s a great summer product- it’s light. I find it perfect for calming and soothing my skin, and it’s such a huge jar making it fantastic value.

Moisturiser

I am ALL ABOUT my new Belif- The True Cream Aqua Bomb. It is so hydrating and yet so light. Moisturisers, I find, are the hardest product to nail down during the summer, as they tend to leave my normal/combination skin more on the oily side, and can clog my pores. This cream does neither of the above, and leaves my skin so soft and hydrated. My face drinks up this stuff. Again alcohol is high on the ingredients list but after testing it, this doesn’t seem to be negatively affecting my skin. It’s 100% worth the slightly steep price tag in my opinion (39,000 Korean Won/ around $40).

Sunscreen

So many beauty bloggers have talked about Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++, and I have to agree with all of them, it really is the best sunscreen. I can’t believe it took me so long to try it. It’s light, so quickly absorbed, no white cast, and ZERO greasiness. I don’t need to say much else- my summer staple.

Treatments

I also use a couple of treatments a few times a week to try and keep my pores clean. I go for either Laneige Mini Pore Waterclay Mask or Sulwhasoo Clarifying Mask if I want a bit of luxury.

The Laneige clay mask is great because it isn’t drying at all, and seems to kinda soak up excess sebum. It comes with a special cleansing sponge to remove it and my face feels great afterwards. 

The Sulwhasoo is also ah-mazing. Unfortunately way too expensive for me to own a full size version, so I only ever use my 50ml luxury sample on my nose. The smell is fabulously herbal and I get a great sense of satisfaction peeling away the dirt inside my nose pores when I remove it. I can see they are considerably cleaner when I’m done.

Those are my basics during these sweaty months, what are yours?!